MALAYSIA has rejected in principle any form of foreign interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, particularly actions involving threats or the use of force, following the latest developments in Caracas, Venezuela.
In a statement on the situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or Wisma Putra, said the position was rooted in fundamental principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and international law.
“Malaysia has consistently stressed the need for peaceful resolution through dialogue, respect for national sovereignty, and adherence to established norms,” the ministry said.
“At this critical juncture, it is imperative for the parties concerned to exercise full restraint and to seek peaceful solutions through dialogue and diplomacy.”
Wisma Putra said the Malaysian Embassy in Caracas had contacted all registered Malaysian nationals in Venezuela and confirmed that they were safe.
The ministry added that the safety and welfare of Malaysians abroad remained a top priority, with embassy officials closely monitoring developments on the ground.
“Malaysian citizens in Venezuela who require consular assistance may contact the Embassy of Malaysia in Caracas via telephone at (58-212) 720 4257 or email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]),” the statement said.
“The ministry will continue to actively monitor the situation and will issue further information if necessary.”
“Malaysians in Venezuela are advised to remain vigilant, comply with instructions from local authorities, and maintain close contact with the Embassy.”
Separately, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) issued a strong condemnation of the United States’ military attack on the sovereign territory of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, describing it as a serious breach of international law.
PKR International Affairs Bureau chairman Dr Maszlee Malik said the attack, which he said had reportedly taken place several hours before the statement was issued, amounted to an unprovoked act of aggression and a clear violation of the United Nations Charter, particularly Article 2(4).
According to him, the article obliges all member states to refrain from the use or threat of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any country.
“This action represents a dangerous escalation that undermines the foundations of the post-war international order, threatens regional and global stability, and sets a perilous precedent in the use of force in international relations,” he said in a statement posted on Facebook last night.
Dr Maszlee stressed that the world did not need more wars, especially at a time when global cooperation was urgently required to address pressing challenges such as poverty, climate change and inequality.
He said hostile actions would only prolong suffering, instability and conflict, and characterised them as a form of violence manifested through foreign military intervention and the denial of a nation’s right to determine its own future.
In the same statement, PKR reaffirmed its firm commitment to the principles of justice and humanity, and its absolute opposition to all forms of colonialism in the modern world.
“PKR also expresses its solidarity with the people of Venezuela and stresses that only the people of that country have the absolute right to determine their future without any coercion or violence from external forces,” he said.
PKR therefore urged the United States to immediately cease all hostile military actions against Venezuela and called on all parties to respect the country’s sovereignty and political independence in accordance with the UN Charter.
At the same time, the party called on the international community to shoulder its shared responsibility in safeguarding global peace by prioritising diplomatic solutions through dialogue and multilateral platforms, particularly under the auspices of the United Nations. - January 4, 2025
